Luke Williams, Shynarah Robinson charged after Christmas Day cop chase crash near Coffs Harbour

A man and woman have copped multiple charges after a crash which closed the Pacific Highway in both directions on the Mid North Coast early on Christmas Day.

A man and woman have copped multiple charges after a crash which closed the Pacific Highway in both directions on the Mid North Coast early on Christmas Day.

According to police, officers patrolling at Korora, north of Coffs Harbour, saw a black Mazda SUV allegedly being driven dangerously by Luke Williams between 7.58am and 8.05am on December 25 with Queensland registration plates belonging to another man. 

“An initial check alleged the vehicle was reported stolen from an address in Sawtell on Monday, December 16,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.

Williams, a 27-year-old Coffs Harbour man, failed to heed police directions to stop and instead police allege he drove in a manner dangerous to others, court documents state.

“The pursuit continued through to the intersection of Beryl St and Pacific Highway, where it was terminated due to safety concerns,” the spokesperson said.

Scene of a crash on intersection of Park Avenue and Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour where a man and a woman have now been charged. Picture: Jess Moore / Facebook

The vehicle hit another vehicle and rolled at the intersection of Park Ave and Pacific Highway.

“A 22-year-old female passenger was thrown from the vehicle on impact,” the spokesperson said.

NSW paramedics were called to the scene where they treated the woman and took her to Coffs Harbour Hospital in a stable condition.

According to court documents, Shynarah Robinson was in the passenger seat with police alleging he caused her bodily harm during the pursuit.

Locals who observed the crash said it was “bad luck” and “stupid” and the driver “panicked and crashed”.

A woman posted on social media she saw it happen.

“We saw the guy get arrested and he walked away fine,” she said.

Scene of a crash on intersection of Park Avenue and Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour where a man and a woman have now been charged. Picture: Jess Moore / Facebook

Williams was arrested then taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital under police guard.

He is charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, second offence, cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, second offence, and two counts of contravening an apprehended violence order.

Williams remains in hospital and appeared via AVL in Parramatta Bail Court on Thursday before Magistrate Janet Wahlquist where he did not apply for and was formally refused it. He is due to reappear before Coffs Harbour Local Court on January 8.

Robinson was charged with breaching bail and issued a court attendance notice to appear at Casino Local Court on Thursday, January 9.

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Originally published as Luke Williams, Shynarah Robinson charged after Christmas Day cop chase crash near Coffs Harbour